2016 Resolutions

2016 Resolutions
Louisiana Beekeepers Association (LBA)

The Resolutions Committee recommends these resolutions be adopted by the Officers and Members of the Louisiana Beekeepers Association:

Whereas there are national organizations that support our views and goals. Be it resolved the LBA will support their campaigns to work with Congress, the Administration and national beekeeping organizations for programs, which will benefit the industry. These organizations may include but not be limited to the American Honey Producers and the American Beekeeping Federation. The LBA should maintain membership in relevant organizations.

Whereas the LBA understands the importance of reaching out to all of the beekeepers within our state. Be it resolved the LBA will work to motivate beekeepers to work in organized groups in their areas to establish good communications at local levels to keep abreast of what is currently happening in our industry. The LBA will provide assistance at local club meetings at least once annually (if agreeable to the local organization) to promote their participation at the state association level.

Whereas the importance of the honeybee and beekeepers are not fully understood by the general public. Be it resolved the LBA will work to keep open, meaningful lines of communications with the media and other beekeeping organizations in order to achieve a better image as beekeepers.

Whereas the LBA is aware of the local loss of bee pasture and wildlife habitat due to the destruction of honey bee plants on public lands. Be it resolved the LBA will support initiatives being purposed on a national and local level to address this problem. All beekeepers will follow up on this resolution.

Whereas the LBA understands the importance of educating the youth of the state. Be it resolved the LBA will continue supporting the 4-H projects through the Extension Service related to the beekeeping and/or honey industry.

Whereas the survival of the LBA is dependent on recruiting new members. Be it resolved that the LBA should develop and implement programs for the residents of our state that would encourage them to become involved with beekeeping as a hobby and potentially as a career. These programs may be instituted through the state organization and/or local clubs.

Whereas the LBA recognizes the development of mite resistant bees is critical to the survival of the U.S. honeybee industry. Be it resolved the LBA will continue to support the Baton Rouge Honeybee Lab’s project of importation and development of disease and parasitic resistant bee stock within the USA and from other countries.

Whereas a lot of time and effort goes in to the planning and organization of each years annual Louisiana Beekeepers Convention. Be it resolved the LBA secretary will send thank you letters to: All speakers; Contributors of door prizes, raffle donations and auction items; Vendors; All local beekeeping clubs that donated prizes to the convention; People that organized the convention, people that went the extra mile, i.e., developed the agenda, helped with the convention (president to notify the secretary of names); Club that hosted the convention.

Whereas the LBA recognizes that the Louisiana Apiary Regulations are in need of updating. Be it resolved that the LBA, with the assistance of the State Apiarist and other interested parties will work to improve and update the states’ apiary regulations.

Whereas the LBA recognizes the need to protect and promote the honey industry within our state. Be it resolved the LBA must keep open, meaningful lines of communications with our Louisiana Senators and Representatives for the purpose of protecting and promoting the honey industry in Louisiana.

Whereas the LBA has completed work in getting a “Save the Honeybee” specialty state license plate approved through the Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles. Be it resolved that the LBA will look at ways to further generate revenue that will go toward funding the scholarship fund that is funded by the sales of the “Save the Honeybee” license plate.

Whereas the LBA supports the use of approved products for the control of honeybee pests, diseases and parasites. Be it resolved that the LBA will work with the appropriate agencies to acquire necessary approvals and Section 18 exemptions for products as they become available.

Whereas the LBA recognizes that agricultural commodity producers use chemicals to control insects and other organisms that damage their agricultural commodities. Be it resolved that the LBA will support the work of the Honeybee Advisory Committee, also known as the Louisiana Pollinator Conservation Cooperative Program, to enhance communications and cooperation between the farming and beekeeping communities concerning the effects that chemicals have on the health and life of the honeybee.

Whereas the LBA understands the importance of educating and informing the consumer of possible health issues concerning honey, specifically “Infantile Botulism”. Be it resolved the LBA supports the voluntary placement of a warning label by packers on containers of honey stating that “Honey should not be fed to infants less than twelve (12) months of age”.

These resolutions were presented to and adopted by the Officers and Members of the Louisiana Beekeepers Association at the annual business meeting of the corporation held on December 5, 2015.